Legend

Legend

I don't want to get my hopes up for a good Mugu result, but she's played well here in the past. A few SF appearances. She really needs to pick up some points though, as I'm not super confident that she'll defend the RG semi.

Since her return she's been up and down but she was really finding herself at the Hopman Cup and Australian Open, was unfortunate to roll the ankle against Pliskova and let that rattle her to deliver the huge choke but I think she wouldn't return if she wasn't ready, especially considering it's not a slam. Think i'm going to vote for Serena. Probably isn't going to win but she's definitely the one i'll have my eyes on this week.

Talk Tennis Guru

Hmm Bertens doesn't overtake Kerber in the live rankings with last years Rome points off. I guess some other points come into play instead of a 0 for this year in Rome.

She's only 80 points behind so just needs 1 win to jump to #3 in the live rankings.

Some other movement:

Svitolina drops 3 spots to #9 with her champion points coming off. Her draw isn't great and she hasn't played much lately so she probably won't get too many points. As a result, Pliskova jumps to #6, Sloane to #7 and Barty to a new career high #8.

Professional

Legend

From what I saw in the first set, I thought so too. Hit up the middle, to where she doesn't have to move, and she'll hit winners. Stretch her out a little, wide or short, she's slow getting to the ball and recovering for the next shot .A lot of unforced errors today.

Talk Tennis Guru

From what I saw in the first set, I thought so too. Hit up the middle, to where she doesn't have to move, and she'll hit winners. Stretch her out a little, wide or short, she's slow getting to the ball and recovering for the next shot .A lot of unforced errors today.

I disagree. Yes, early in the first set she was rusty and slow but found her groove. The second set was far better, dictating play, less errors, smashing the ball and playing very well from the baseline. Admittedly, Peterson didn't really make her work that hard but it was a good opener for Serena.

Legend

Yeah I was kind of wondering about that, but I wasn't sure. Like in my head im thinking clay kind of neutralizes her game, but was wondering if she hits big enough to not be as affected. I don't know about her movement either. She seems pretty athletic for a taller player, but moving on clay is a bit different.

The point still stands though. A lot of players lately are having a good year or so ago few good results and then it'd like they fall off a cliff.

G.O.A.T.

Legend

This game is all about belief in yourself.
Look at Mladenovic now that she has Bajin in her corner.
It's not like they've had time to change her game, it's just that now her peanut brain is convinced she's a world beater just because Bajin is her coach.
And her opponents will also see her as a better player than she really is because of that simple fact.
I think the placebo effect is definitely a thing in sports and it's never talked about.